Miller County Judge Larry Burgess' Actions Protects Citizens, Employees, and the Property

When the word "Hero" is mentioned, many look to those serving in our military as heroes.  It is easy to forget though that once a hero leaves the armed forces, he or she does not stop being a hero.   Miller County Judge Larry Burgess is one such "Hero" who should be looked to as a hero by the citizens of Miller County, Arkansas.  Judge Burgess served a full career in the Marines before returning to Texarkana and making the decision to continue his service by running for Miller County Judge.  He not only ran, but he has won two terms already and is now seeking a third term for the county.  The county could not be served by a better man.

As Judge Burgess runs his campaign, citizens are reminded that he has to continue to run the operations of the county in the capacity of judge.  Judge Burgess though is no ordinary county judge.  Judge Burgess comes to Miller County with a Marine background where he studied terrorist routines and trained to be prepared to face them when his country calls.  Yesterday marked the anniversary of one of the most devastating attacks by terrorist in this nation's history.  It should be no surprise that many around the country braced themselves for the possibility that terrorist would once again strike at America.

While most of us went on about our daily business, Judge Burgess remembered his training and applied it to the job we have entrusted him with through our constant voting record for him.  Judge Burgess, as he often does, walked the County Courthouse grounds early as a precaution against potential copy-cat plots or possible attacks.  It was during this walk that he spotted a suspicious container.

Judge Burgess might have easily walked up, checked the container, and found there to be no problem; however, he was doing what he always does.  Judge Burgess was looking out for the county.  He first ensured the safety of the citizens, and then the safety of the people working at the courthouse by ordering an immediate evacuation.  Finally, when citizens were safe, he followed up to ensure the safety of the property and brought in the Texarkana Police.

It turned out that the container was nothing more than a transport cooler and the incident made the paper as a small article the next day.  However, a person only has to look back to 9/11 and wonder "What if it had been more?"  What if that small container had been a bomb?  Had that container held the contents of a bomb meant to hurt citizens, kill employees of the county, and damage our historic courthouse, then Burgess' actions would not only have saved lives, but would have also saved county property.  We could go all day with the "What if's," but thankfully it was an empty container.  But does that negate the fact that Judge Burgess acted in the best interest of the people and the county?  No, the county benefited from Judge Burgess' training in the Marines, his attentiveness to our county, and his willingness to put himself on the line for the good of the all citizens.  This makes Judge Larry Burgess not only a great county judge, but it always makes him a hero for the county.  He's the type of man we need to continue to elect, continue to support, and continue to entrust with the well-being of our property, our employees and our citizens.